About

About

The Brian Grant Foundation provides proven tools to improve the well-being of people with Parkinson’s. BGF was established in 2010, following Brian’s diagnosis in 2008 at the age of 36. Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s, exercise, nutrition and a supportive community can help manage symptoms, maintain overall health and prevent other serious illnesses.

Brian’s Story

Brian Grant was an NBA idol, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless
attitude on the court. During his 12‐year career, he played for five teams and
became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. Today, Brian
continues to inspire as a speaker, philanthropist, and a patient who insists on
thriving with Parkinson’s disease. His mission is to help people become their
best, even when it seems impossible.

Brian started his career at Xavier University where he was Player of the Year
twice for the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. He was drafted in the first
round, eighth overall, in the 1994 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. His
career continued with the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles
Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. During this time, Brian also served underprivileged
youth and sick families in his community. His contributions earned him the J.
Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

In 2006, Brian retired from professional basketball. Only two years
later, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age
36. It was hard for him to believe that his athletic body couldn’t push
through the pain or get better with time. He was scared and humbled,
yet fiercely determined to be as healthy as possible. This motivation
launched the Brian Grant Foundation, for those with Parkinson’s who
want to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Since then, Brian has become a sought after keynote speaker.
Companies and organizations nationwide are drawn to his authenticity
and captivated by his stories that unite us as people, regardless of age
or background. Brian is also on the Trail Blazers Alumni Ambassador
Corp and he loves to fish, surf, and enjoy the mountains in Oregon.

Brian learned from his coaches that you can’t always control the ball,
but you can control your effort. As a father of eight, he wants to show
his kids that quality of life takes sweat and determination, but the
results are always worth it.

Our Team

Staff

Katrina Kahl

Executive Director

Nicole Aliotti

Development Manager

Leslie Calcagno

Accounts Manager

Board of Directors

Brian Grant

Founder

Mark Byrum

Board Chair

Majd El-Azma

Bryan Emerson

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Stephen Erdmann

Board Secretary

Rob Gloeckner

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Greg Miller

Josh Ross

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Erika Yoshida

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Medical Advisory Council

Bas Bloem, MD, PhD

Radbourd University Mijmegen Medical Centre

Matt Brodsky, MD

Oregon Health & Science University

John Duda, MD

Philadelphia VA Medical Center & Perelman School of Medicine

Suketu Khandhar, MD

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Laurie King, PhD, PT

Oregon Health & Science University

Soania Mathur, MD

Parkinson’s Advocate

Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH

Bastyr University Research Institute

Sue Scott, MS

Self-Employed

Jenny Wilhelm, PT, DPT

Oregon Health & Science University

Program Advisory Council

Cathie Baker

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Dan & Pat Baker

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Michelle & Dan Garrett

Hannah Hemry

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Lynn Hubert

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Charlene Quaresma

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Troy Sych

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Terry Wageman

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Robin Woodward

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Our Partners

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Contact Us

The Brian Grant Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the well being of people with Parkinson’s.